“Anyone who does not carry his cross and follow me cannot be my disciple” Luke 14:27  (NIV)

Someone once said to me, “Lawson, there are no real disciples today. There are followers of Jesus, but no disciples. No one really fits the Biblical description of a disciple.” It was one of those random comments that got me thinking; wondering if what he said was true. And then a flash of creativity and an imaginary advertisement came to mind  (cf. below)

Disciples Wanted

Gender – males and females may apply

Nationality – all welcomed

Age limit – none

Hours – 168 per week

Pay – $0

Experience – not required, but toughness and resilience is helpful

Retirement benefits – out of this world

Work conditions – expect hassles, discrimination, or persecution

Expectations – mostly give and no take

Benefits – no breaks, no vacations, and no sick leave

Promotion – one at the end of your life

Applicants must sacrifice everything, study long, pray hard, labour unceasingly, and be willing to be called a “fool” for Christ. The job’s not easy. You’ll sometimes work alone, but you’ll never be alone. People in this line of work are in the minority. Applicants must be prepared to live among the sympathetic and antagonistic, among the understanding and prejudiced. Applicants must realize that identification with our organization may make them unpopular. Be prepared to live anywhere on earth. Before signing up, applicants must relinquish all rights, legal or otherwise to all personal property such as cars, houses, real estate, money, recreational vehicles, stocks and shares, inheritances . . . in fact everything. Applicants are urged to consider strongly their decision to come on board, since our policy is that there is no getting out once in! “No one who puts his hand to the plough and looks back is fit for the Kingdom of God.” Though this position is hazardous, there are great rewards and satisfaction. We believe that “in due season we shall reap if we don’t faint.” Those interested may apply at the foot of the cross.